It is a well-known fact that winter can bring about frigidly cold weather conditions, and, you, like so many others, probably do anything and everything you can in order to remain warm during the colder months. A lot of homeowners spend a lot of their time and attention on keeping themselves warm inside their homes. But, what about outside your home? Patio heaters are an option.
Patio heaters are specifically designed to radiate heat outward where people are gathered. For this reason, you won’t need to huddle around it in order to stay warm. Patio heaters have different fuel sources – usually propane, electric or natural gas.
If you are going to be using an outdoor heater, be sure to set it up in an area that is well-ventilated. These areas include patios, terraces, gardens, and outdoor porches or decks.
For safety reasons, do not use a patio heater in enclosed areas i.e. buildings or garages. Also, make sure they are not too close to the ceiling of a covered deck or patio. Using a patio heater in an area that is not well-ventilated leaves you at risk of starting a fire or could also lead to suffocation or poisoning rom carbon monoxide fumes. Experts recommend keeping a clearance of at least three feet around your heater.
How much you pay for your patio heater depends on a few factors. For instance, the size and quality of your heater will impact the cost. The cost of an electric tabletop heater can be as low as $100 while a commercial-style gas heater could cost you $500 or more.
How do you figure out the size of the patio heater that you need? Multiply the size of your space (in cubic feet) by the desired temperature increase.
For example, raising the temperature of a 10-by-10 foot patio by 40 degrees Fahrenheit – assuming an 8 foot heater height – would require a 32,000 BTU heater (10x10x8x40 = 32,000).
When deciding which patio heater to purchase, you’ll choose from three main fuel sources. Each fuel source has it’s upsides and downsides.
Propane patio heaters: These types of patio heaters work similarly to a propane barbecue grill. They are the most portable heater option because the fuel comes from a metal propane tank. The downside to this one is that the heater will shut off as soon as you run out of gas. For reference, for a 40,000 BTU patio heater, a full 5-gallon propane cylinder will last you around 10 hours.
Electric patio heaters: Because these heaters do not run on gas, they do not need to be ventilated because there is no open flame. For this reason, they can be great for areas such as covered decks and porches. Also, because they function like a space heater, they can be permanently mounted below a ceiling. Although electric heaters will only put out about 5,000 BTUs of heat, it is said that they provide a more comfortable experience and feeling of warmth.
Natural gas patio heaters: With a natural gas patio heater, you will never run out of fuel. Because these heaters are hooked directly into your home’s natural gas line, these heaters are the least expensive to operate. They do, however, need to be installed by a professional. A positive is that you won’t need to carry around a propane tank. A con to this version is that they are less portable and you will need to fork up more money initially.
When used properly, patio heaters are a safe way to keep your family safe during the cold winter months. To ensure that your heater is being used properly, pay attention to these tips:
Give it space. Your patio heater will generate a lot of heat. In order to prevent fire hazards, keep your heater a safe distance away from walls, ceilings, furniture, carpet, or any other flammable material. Three feet is the recommended distance.
Find a level spot. You don’t want your heater to tip over, so make sure you place it on a flat surface.
Check for leaks. Apply a soapy water solution to your gas tank in order to check for leaks. The giveaway is if you see bubbles rising from any connection points or if you smell gas. If you suspect a gas leak, have your setup inspected by a professional.
Light it safely. Most heaters have an electric ignitor button while others require you to light it yourself. Make sure you are a safe distance away from the flame. If the burner does not light immediately, turn off the heater and wait about five minutes. This waiting period is meant to prevent gas buildup which could lead to a potential explosion.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Just remember, Class B for gas, Class C for electric, or you can use a multi-purpose extinguisher that works for both.
Watch it carefully. Never leave a patio heater unattended and always make sure that little children and pets are kept a safe distance away. Do not use your heater when weather conditions contain winds of 10 mph or stronger.
Cover it up. Storing your heater properly can help prevent wear and tear and eventual breakdown. Proper storage can prevent your heater from becoming clogged with bugs and debris and can prevent rusting.